Pearl of the Sea

November 28, 2022
Teenage diver Pearl befriends an octopean sea monster of mythical proportions in this uplifting graphic novel. Pearl lives with her father and one-eyed dog Moby in a small town on the South African coast; her mother left the family years before, causing Pearl to withdraw from her father and community. Though Pearl reluctantly attends school and pines after her crush, Naomi, she would rather spend her time fishing for and selling abalone to help pay bills, which have piled up ever since her father lost his job. While swimming in restricted waters, she meets
Otto, a giant sea creature living in an underwater shipwreck. Though she initially perceives Otto as frightening, Pearl comes to realize he’s not as scary as he seems, and they become fast friends. But Otto has been hiding for a reason, and when he’s suddenly endangered, it’s up to Pearl to save him. Full-color illustrations by Samuel depict ethereal ocean depths in deep navy and electric blue hues. Pearl’s struggles with loneliness and feelings of being an outsider are rendered via Silverston and Delle Donne’s empathetic and humorous dialogue, making for a winning story of friendship, nature, and trust. Ages 10–13.

December 1, 2022
A girl and a sea monster form an unlikely bond, helping one another learn to trust again. Pearl spends most of her free time in the ocean near her small coastal town. There, she can ignore the weight of her burdens since her mother left her and her father. Facing financial insecurity, Pearl gets caught up with some local poachers. In exchange for abalone, the poachers provide Pearl with much-needed money that will hopefully keep her father from moving them to the city. While diving in a restricted area, Pearl unearths a massive beast hiding in the depths. Upon luring it out, she notices the many harpoons protruding from its tentacles and nurses the beast, whom she affectionately names Otto, back to health. The pair grow closer as they help one another, making for a heartfelt tale. The detailed illustrations do the heavy lifting in many of the wordless panels as the vibrant colors and dynamic linework bring Pearl's beloved ocean to life. This steady coming-of-age journey tackles the complexities of poaching while showcasing Pearl's journey to let people into her life. Although Pearl and Otto are the primary focus, the author gives brief arcs to Pearl's friend Naomi and her father. Pearl, her father, and Naomi are brown. A richly illustrated story of friendship. (Fantasy graphic novel. 10-14)

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Starred review from February 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* The instant reaction to the saturated, detailed full-color art in this coming-of-age story is a stupendous WOW. The first pages begin completely without words in gorgeously fluid panels that follow a young diver, Pearl, into the turquoise depths as she explores crevices and greets creatures. As she ascends to the surface, the first words appear as signage--"DANGER KEEP OUT"--a prescient signal to both the character and reader: danger indeed looms, but "keep out" is what our intrepid hero has been doing for much of her life, self-distancing from her seaside community as a means of emotional survival, still carrying the loss of her runaway mother. Instead, Pearl favors the loyal company of her adorable, one-eyed pup. "Hardly ever see that girl on land!" the locals remark, but she's still a teen who must go to school, check in with her mostly absent father, make a bit of spending money, and maybe contemplate a growing crush. Eventually, she's going have to save a new friend who happens to be a behemoth with eight legs. Into an undeniably exhilarating narrative, the South African creative team manages to deftly weave in resonating issues, from environmental destruction to socioeconomic struggles to familial dysfunctions. Silverston, Samuel, and Delle Donne are undoubtedly master storytellers, while Samuel's intricate artistry brings magic to every page.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 1, 2023

Gr 5 Up-Silverton, Delle Donne, and Samuel present a heartwarming, adventurous sea tale. Since her mother left the family, Pearl (who has brown skin) spends her free time snorkeling for crayfish with her one-eyed dog, Moby, in her coastal hometown. When Pearl finds out that her father is at risk of losing their home, she does a favor for local poachers who help her bring home some extra cash. During one of her dives in an unrestricted area, Pearl meets a huge tentacled sea creature she names Otto. As Pearl spends time with Otto, she learns that he has a past from which he is hiding. Pearl is a lovable character. She's brave in the way that she jumps in immediately to help her father when they're in money trouble and caring to Otto when she nurses him back to health upon their first encounter. Secondary characters like Moby bring humor to the story while Pearl's father and friend/crush Naomi support Pearl's growth from a loner to someone who needs and deserves community. As Otto and Pearl become friends, they embark on confronting Otto's past; this in return helps Pearl learn to open up and deal with the pain she has from the absence of her mother. Stunning, vibrant illustrations with deep hues of color bring Pearl's sea adventure to life. VERDICT A fast-paced graphic novel about making friends in unlikely places and opening up your heart after experiencing grief.-Kharissa Kenner

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